Virat Kohli, one of the most prolific batters in the history of ODI cricket, has been facing a rough patch recently, drawing concerns from cricketing legends and fans alike. In India’s Champions Trophy opener against Bangladesh, Kohli failed to make an impact, continuing a worrying trend in his recent performances. Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar, known for his sharp insights into the game, has now come forward to offer a critique of Kohli’s batting technique, specifically his troubles against spin bowling.
Kohli’s Ongoing Struggles in ODI Cricket
Virat Kohli’s slump in ODI cricket has been particularly noticeable since the 2023 ICC Men’s World Cup. While he was in stellar form during the tournament, amassing 765 runs in 11 matches, his post-World Cup performances have raised alarm bells. In the six innings following the World Cup, Kohli has managed only 137 runs at a disappointing average of 22.83. Despite a half-century against England and a 22-run knock against Bangladesh, his struggles with consistency have been evident.
Sunil Gavaskar’s Concerns Over Kohli’s Batting Technique
In a conversation with India Today, Sunil Gavaskar analyzed Kohli’s recent dismissals and pinpointed key technical flaws. Gavaskar mentioned that Kohli’s issues are rooted in how his bat face opens up while facing deliveries, especially from wrist spinners. This flaw, according to Gavaskar, is not exclusive to spin bowling but also surfaces when Kohli plays against pace bowlers in countries like Australia.
“It is to a great extent due to the fact that the bat face opens up. Same thing happens when he’s playing against the quicks in Australia. The bat face opening up, looking to play through the covers, opening the face of the bat, that gets him into trouble,” Gavaskar explained. He emphasized that this technical flaw has been evident multiple times in Kohli’s recent dismissals, especially in the Champions Trophy game against Bangladesh. Kohli, attempting to reach for deliveries, allowed the bat face to open, which nearly led to a mishit or an edge on a couple of occasions.
Gavaskar concluded, “That is something that he has to tighten up on now. If you’re getting out to the same kind of bowling, then there is a bit of concern there.”
Kohli’s Struggles Against Spin Bowling
A recurring theme in Kohli’s recent dismissals is his trouble facing wrist spin, a vulnerability that has come to the forefront in recent series. Kohli, who has been revered for his exceptional ability to play spin, especially in the subcontinent, now finds himself constantly under pressure when confronted by quality wrist spinners.
This technical flaw has led to some of Kohli’s dismissals in recent matches. Opposing bowlers, especially wrist spinners, have been able to exploit the opening of his bat face, resulting in a loss of control and eventual dismissal. Kohli’s inability to read these deliveries with the same level of comfort he once did has raised questions about his ability to adapt and adjust his technique accordingly.
The Bigger Picture: Kohli’s ODI Career and His Return to Form
Despite the recent struggles, it’s crucial to remember that Virat Kohli is still among the greatest ODI batsmen of all time. With over 13,000 runs in the format, he is only behind legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara. Kohli’s achievements in ODI cricket are unparalleled, but his recent form has created doubts about his consistency and ability to maintain his standards.
The cricketer is nearing the landmark of 14,000 runs in ODI cricket, a feat that would solidify his legacy even further. However, to reach that milestone, Kohli must regain his form and address the concerns surrounding his technique, particularly against spin bowlers. With his next big opportunity coming up against Pakistan, Kohli will be eager to not only surpass the 14,000-run mark but also silence his critics with a match-winning knock.
Can Virat Kohli Bounce Back?
Kohli’s fans and former cricketers alike remain hopeful that the seasoned batter will bounce back from this challenging phase. With the right adjustments to his technique, particularly in dealing with wrist spin and ensuring his bat face remains closed, Kohli can regain the form that made him one of the most feared batsmen in world cricket.
Though the recent struggles have been concerning, it’s important to note that Kohli’s career has always been marked by resilience and a knack for bouncing back when the pressure is on. His ability to adapt and evolve, whether it be facing quality pacers or spinners, has been one of the hallmarks of his success. Fans will be hoping for a swift return to form as Kohli aims to silence his critics and reclaim his place at the top of world cricket.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s technical flaws, particularly against spin bowling, have come under scrutiny following his poor show against Bangladesh in the Champions Trophy. Sunil Gavaskar’s analysis of Kohli’s bat-face issue and the subsequent vulnerability to wrist spin highlights the need for adjustments to Kohli’s technique. As the Indian star aims for a historic 14,000 ODI runs, it’s crucial for him to address these technical weaknesses and get back to his scoring ways. Only time will tell if Kohli can overcome this slump and continue to add to his legendary ODI career.
By focusing on technique and mindset, Virat Kohli has the potential to return to his best and prove that even in the face of adversity, the king of ODI cricket remains at the top of his game.
